How to Use Comma Flashcards
- Use Commas in Lists
Items in a list may bay nouns:
He received a bicycle, a new computer, a board game, and a watch for his birthday.
Jennifer ate a hamburger, potato chips, and some ice cream for lunch.
Items in a list can also be verb forms:
I enjoy hiking, playing golf, and reading in my free time.
Peter bought the ticket, had a quick lunch, and boarded the plane for Denver.
Note: Difference between British and American English
British English generally does not place a comma before the final ‘and’ in a list. American English, on the other hand, also places the comma before the final ‘and’.
UK: I bought some soap, towels and a tooth brush.
USA: I bought some soap, towels, and a tooth brush.
- Use Commas to Separate Adjectives
Commas are used to _separate adjective_s that are similar in nature which are placed directly before the noun they modify.
- Peter enjoys intricate, complicated journeys.
- She spent money on expensive, wasteful, unimaginative clothes.
If the adjectives describe different aspects of the noun, no commas is used.
- Peter bought a fast new red corvette (একসারি কামানযুক্ত পালতোলা যুদ্ধজাহাজ, a highly maneuverable escort warship; smaller than a destroyer) last week.
- Jane is looking for a used round metallic object.
Note: Remember that adjective order (Seed Eddendum for more info) is important when using more than one adjective to modify a noun.
- Use Commas with Subordinate Clauses Which Begin Sentences
Subordinate clauses can be placed at the end of sentences, or at the beginning of sentences. When placing subordinate clauses at the beginning of sentences, use a comma.
Although he was late, we had a good time.
OR
We had a good time although he was late.
- Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions are often referred to as FANBOYS (for, and, but, or, yet, so).
I worked hard on the project yesterday, but I haven’t finished it yet.
She stayed out until midnight, and she got up early for work the next day.
- Use Commas with Introductory Comments
Words that introduce sentences such as linking words, sequencing words or other connective adverbs (consequently, however, moreover, etc.) are followed by a comma in English.
However, we decided to wait on the investment until next quarter.
Finally, let’s take a look at what this all means for the future.
- Use Commas to Introduce Direct Speech
Peter said,“I’m not coming with you this time.”
Angie stated flatly,“I hate this job!”
- Use Commas with Unusual Word Order
Modifying words and expressions are generally placed in a specific position in a sentence.
- For example, adverbs (see in ex consequently) of frequency are usually placed before the main verb.
Peter, consequently, decided to stay another week.
- Sometimes, words or expressions are placed differently to stress a point.
- In this case, use two commas to offset this word or expression.
The department, hesitant with distrust, refused to consider the idea.
- Use Commas with Non-Defining Relative Clauses
- The purpose of a defining relative clause is to clearly define who or what we are talking about
Example:
- The woman who lives in apartment No. 34 has been arrested.
- The document that I need has ‘important’ written at the top.
- Non-defining relative clauses provide interesting additional information which is not essential to understanding the meaning of the sentence.
Example:
- Mrs. Jackson, who is very intelligent, lives on the corner.
- Pete, who was the team captain, came up to bat first.
- My house in London, which was built in 1784, is close to all the great attractions.
NOTE: In defining relative clauses there are no commas.
- Use Commas with Numbers
Commas are used to separate each group of three numbers for larger numbers.
345,687,341
23,897
- Use Commas with Written Dates
Commas separate dates that are written out by placing a comma after the day.
March 10, 1978
August 21, 1997
Adjective Order
My Hair Rule
Nice (opinion), long (dimension), old (28yrs, age), layer cut (shape), black (colour), bangladeshi (originating), keratin rich (material) hair.
Good!!
In short u can remember it like web address
ODiAS.COM
NOTE: We usually use no more than three adjectives preceding a noun.
ODi AS COM
-
Opinion
Example: an interesting book, a boring lecture -
Dimension
Example: a big apple, a thin wallet -
Age
Example: a new car, a modern building, an ancient ruin -
Shape
Example: a square box, an oval mask, a round ball -
Color
Example: a pink hat, a blue book, a black coat -
Origin
Example: some Italian shoes, a Canadian town, an American car -
Material
Example: a wooden box, a woolen sweater, a plastic toy